First female cricketer banned for corruption charges

In February 2025, Bangladesh player Shohaly Akhter admitted to five breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption code and was handed a five-year ban from all cricket. The breaches related to approaches made by the player to attempt to corrupt matches in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 held in South Africa.

Akhter, an off spinner who had played two ODIs and 13 T20Is for Bangladesh, was not part of the squad at the time of the offences but had played for Bangladesh in the Qualifier a few months prior.

More details concerning the matter can be found here.

This case, coupled with an increase in reported grooming attempts, serves as a warning to cricketers. Corruption in the women’s game remains a significant concern with the continued global growth and development, including within the franchise league environment. Investigations have identified grooming of young female players to facilitate fixing particularly from vulnerable regions.

While senior female players are typically more engaged in education sessions and more likely to recognize and report suspicious activity, targeted efforts have been made to ensure U19 and Associate Member female cricketers are equally aware of the risks and know how to respond appropriately.